…have racquet, will travel!

Most people who move to California, never leave. My husband and I were the exception. Our children are all living on the east coast, which drove our decision to leave. There are many reasons why we return to Los Gatos, California a few times, each year. One of the biggest reasons are the friends we have made at the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club, Los Gatos, California.

When we first settled into the area of Los Gatos, California area, our first order of business was to find a tennis club. We visited the Bay Club Courtside and Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.

Bay Club Courtside, Los Gatos, California has a lot to offer. When you walk into the club it is beautiful. There is a cafe on the opposite side of the reception area, where you can get a protein shake, coffee, meal, or an adult beverage. It is impressive with great customer service. The club immediately opened their doors to us. They showed us the great fitness areas, indoor tennis courts, Spa, large locker rooms, resort like pool area, and beautifully designed tennis area, complete with a stadium tennis court. We expressed our desire to play tennis and were looking for a great fit. The facility gave us a same day pass to use the facility. We walked up to the tennis pavilion. We explained we were prospective members and that we would like to play tennis. A member standing next to us said “you may not want to join this club, because it is difficult to get a court.” We laughed but kept it at the back of our mind. It was a weekend day, late, hot afternoon, so we were easily able to book a court. We played tennis, and then walked around the grounds again. It was a beautiful tennis facility, so we couldn’t wait to compare it to the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.

We called the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club to make an appointment to tour the club which is located near the highway 17 and 85. We walked into the club and were provided a tour. They did say we can play tennis, but not on the same day. We were anxious to join a club, so we were a little bummed. On our tour we walked by two swimming pools, fitness area, on our way to the tennis area. The tennis area has a very nice outdoor kitchen on a deck, which looked inviting. The deck area over looked six tennis courts. The teaching court, with 3 other courts were adjacent to the deck. Events and schedules were posted outside the Pro Shop. We went in and booked a court for the next day at the family oriented club.

The following day we played our singles game at the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club. When we were playing, we noticed matches going on the neighboring courts. What was most intriguing was the crew of people on the top deck cheering their teammates on. It made us want to be part of the experience. Afterward we spoke to Lucille, the manager of the Pro Shop at the time, who told us that I could try one of the 4.0 ladies tennis clinics if there was a spot available. . Luckily, the next day, I joined the 4.0 tennis clinic, which was run by the Director of Tennis, Vince Russo. It was a great drill. Vince and his staff always had a lesson plan for their tennis clinics. We immediately felt at home.

While at the tennis clinic, one of the gals said to me, “Cynthia, do you see how nice it is today, blue sky, no clouds, mid 70s?” I said, “yes, it is a gorgeous day!” She said, “Cynthia, it’s like this everyday!” When she said, that, I knew that I made the right choice to move to California, and I knew that I wanted to join Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club.

For two years, we played tennis and made friends at the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club. William went from a 3.0 to a 4.0 tennis player in a year! I learned how to hit a dipper, thanks to Vince! We were lucky enough to have been on several teams that advanced to USTA Districts and to Sectionals! Besides the great tennis, we welcomed the opportunity to participate in the club’s tennis events, such as Wine Downs (Friday night tennis social), Team tennis, USTA matches, always ending in great social time afterwards, with some of the members firing up the grill!

Due to career and family, we moved back to New Jersey. It was bittersweet and exciting because we would be close to family but hard to give up something that meant so much to us.

When the opportunity arises, we visit Los Gatos, California. We usually stay at the San Jose Marriott , Campbell Marriott Courtyard, or close by the Hotel Valencia, Santa Row.

On our return visits, we love to play tennis at our old club, hike the Los Gatos hilly trails, visit the Los Gatos Spa (for a massage and steam shower), dine and shop in the quaint downtown area, and visit our always welcoming dear friends from the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club!